Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

Unexpected Groove in Dana 44 Housing & Carrier Cap

SLK

New Member
Original poster
Joined
Nov 14, 2024
Messages
1
Location
Southern Illinois
Hi,
I’m new to the forum. I have had a 2005 TJ for about a year now. Just bought a salvage yard Dana 44 to replace the Dana 35 in my TJ. Bought it knowing the carrier and ring gear had been removed, which was not a problem since I was going to an aftermarket locker and different gearing. It was sold to me as a non-Rubicon Dana 44, with disc brakes. When I removed the cover, I was not expecting to see the groove in the housing and carrier bearing cap (side opposite the ring gear). See attached photos. The groove depth is getting close to the bearing cap tapped holes and is concerning. I'm new to JEEPing, but have been around heavy equipment, fabrication, machining and powertrains for three decades and this doesn't "seem" right to me. Has anyone else seen this? Are these grooves supposed to be there? Is the housing/bearing cap okay to use like this? Any guidance or warnings? Or can someone confirm this is okay, as is? Thanks in advance to anyone that can help.

SLK

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Hard to tell but it looks like the carrier ground it out shifting around. I'd be more concerned with the marks where the race goes though. If the races spun it will need to be welded and machined again
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts